Students from the Level 3 Art and Design course at Southwark College recently took on a unique leadership role at the Hayward Gallery, where they led a series of interactive workshops and activities inspired by the current exhibition,’ Haegue Yang: Leap Year’. The event, a collaboration between the Southbank Centre and local schools, offered students a chance to explore the innovative artwork of Haegue Yang through peer-led activities.
The event was part of the Takeover Team initiative, a programme where a select group of students, known as the Takeover Team, work alongside artist-educators to develop a deeper understanding of the featured exhibition. This team was then tasked with leading a day of workshops and discussions for other young people visiting the gallery.
On the day of the event, Southwark College students took centre stage, leading groups of visitors through a series of hands-on workshops and art-making activities. The students facilitated creative sessions in origami, light box design, and lacquer board technique methods that reflected Haegue Yang’s distinctive use of materials, light, and space. In addition to the workshops, Southwark College students led guided tours around the gallery, providing insights into Yang’s work and encouraging visitors to engage with the exhibition in a deeper, more meaningful way.
Maryam Begum-Ali, an Art and Design student at Southwark College took part in the takeover day. She said: “Leading a workshop was an incredibly rewarding opportunity for me. It allowed me to engage with fellow students and honed my communication skills by interacting with new people. This experience not only boosted my confidence but also significantly enhanced my career prospects, as I can now include in my CV that I have successfully guided a tour in a gallery. This hands-on leadership role has undoubtedly prepared me for my future in the creative arts world.”
The day was a great success, giving students the chance to engage directly with contemporary art while building valuable leadership and communication skills. Southwark College are proud to be part of this exciting initiative that encourages young people to explore the world of art and creative careers.
The event was also an excellent example of the power of collaboration between local educational institutions, as the Southbank Centre, Southwark College, and local secondary schools came together to create a memorable and educational experience for young people.
For more information about Creative Arts courses at Southwark College, please visit southwark.ac.uk/creative-arts
